Unfinished Obelisk
المسلة الناقصة
A colossal obelisk still lying in a granite quarry, which would have stood about 42 m tall and weighed about 1,100 tons, making it the largest ancient Egyptian obelisk.
The obelisk is believed to date to the reign of Queen Hatshepsut. It was abandoned in the quarry after cracks appeared during carving, and three of its sides have now separated from the bedrock. The site offers a clear view of how ancient Egyptians pounded and carved granite with hard dolerite balls, and the quarry walls still bear masons' chisel marks and marks left by the workers. Admission is charged in Egyptian pounds and prices change often, so check on site. Hours are roughly 7:00 to 17:00. The quarry lies in the north-south quarry area south of Aswan city, about a 10-minute taxi ride away. It is often combined with the High Dam and the Philae Temple for a half-day tour.
Opening hours
About 07:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Nubian Museum
- Sofitel Legend Old Cataract
- Elephantine Island
- Kitchener's Island (Aswan Botanical Garden)
- Mausoleum of Aga Khan III
- Aswan Souq (Sharia as-Souq)
- Monastery of St. Simeon
- Tombs of the Nobles (Qubbet el-Hawa)